Sometimes bigger really is better. If your business wants to make a strong statement with its marketing, choose large format printing materials. Banners, posters, signs and large-scale graphics have strong visual appeal and are among today’s most effective marketing solutions.
Traditionally, large format printing jobs were sent to professional print shops. However, with innovations in technology and an increased demand for extra large printing services, many businesses today choose to purchase large format printers.
Before your company invests in large format printing services, investigate the pros and cons of the following options:
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done
Outsource your infrequent large format printing to a print shop
If you only print a few posters, banners or signs each year, outsource your large format poster printing. Most professional printers offer large format printing services for reasonable prices.
I recommend: Inkchaser.com offers large format banner printing for prices starting at as low as a couple of dollars per square foot. They specialize in
large format poster printing with a 3-day turnaround time. Get an
instant quote for posters ranging in size from 8.5x11 up to 50x76. If you’re under a tight deadline, go to
BillboardXpress. The company provides large format banner printing in 24 hours. The large format printing company also offers large format digital printing for billboards, mesh wraps, menu boards, window clings, yard signs, posters and vehicle wraps.
Purchase a used printer to meet your occasional large format color printing needs
Large format printing prices range from $3,000 for new low-end printers to $25,000 for commercial printers. At these prices, a used printer is a viable option for cheap large format printing.
I recommend: Get a good deal on a used large format printer on
eBay or
PrinterFarm.com, but do your homework. For used printers, opt for a LED printer rather than an Inkjet because Inkjets quickly become outdated. When you purchase a used printer for large format photo printing or large format poster printing, pay close attention to the warranty and service plan options. Find a trusted brand and don’t buy used printers from a large format printing company no longer in business; it is difficult to get service and parts.
Purchase a printer to meet your company's frequent large format printing needs
If you business regularly produces large materials, a wide format printer is a good investment. LED printers are more expensive than Inkjet printers initially, but Inkjet printers drain ink which is costly. However, if your printing needs include graphics like large format photo printing, an Inkjet provides better resolution and prints on different types of media.
I recommend: EFI’s
VUTEk superwide digital inkjet printers are for businesses and print shops that produce large quantities of large format color printing. Customize your large format digital printer at
BuyerZone and receive quotes directly large format printer providers. Compare different large format printer models at
Xerox and
HP. If your business relies on large format printing services daily, purchase a maintenance agreement that includes on-site labor.